Date Posted: July 23, 2026

Author/s: Rosemarie S. Bago, Rosalina M. Cabias*, Mary Charlene L. Crisostomo, Kirby Stephen V. Dauz, Samantha Kirsten S. Franco, Joseph D. Olido, Jebb Patrick M. Delos Santos, RPh, MPH

Tracer studies are valuable tools for assessing the long-term impact of academic education by tracking the career paths of graduates. This study aimed to describe the demographic and employment profiles, as well as the job satisfaction, of FEU-NRMF Pharmacy graduates from 2018 to 2024.

Methods: A descriptive quantitative design was employed, and data were collected using a validated survey questionnaire. The sample size was determined using the Raosoft sample size calculator and selected through purposive sampling.

Results: A total of 155 pharmacy graduates participated in the study. The results indicated that most respondents were female, single, and residing in Quezon City. The majority held a BS in Pharmacy as their highest educational qualification, suggesting strong and stable employment prospects associated with the degree. Many were employed in hospital pharmacies, indicating the availability of opportunities in clinical settings. Among those not currently employed, underemployment was reported in roles such as virtual health assistants, while unemployment was primarily attributed to the pursuit of further education. These findings reflected potential job mismatch and highlighted the need for more strategic career planning. Most respondents held full-time or regular positions and were employed in the private sector. Retention in their first job was primarily influenced by opportunities for training and experience, career development, and wages—suggesting a focus on long-term professional growth. In contrast, reasons for leaving included low income, limited career advancement, and difficult workplace relationships, emphasizing the role of financial and workplace factors in job turnover. Overall job satisfaction was rated favorably, with high scores in task alignment, career growth, job stability, training, and the work environment. Lower satisfaction levels were noted in salary and social benefits.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the pharmacy profession in the Philippines offers promising employment and career development, particularly in urban settings. However, challenges related to underemployment, limited advancement, and compensation remain. To address these issues, regular alumni tracking, mixedmethod approaches, employer feedback, expanded community engagement, and broader study scopes are recommended to better align pharmacy education with labor market needs.

Keywords: Pharmacy education, tracer study, educational attainment, field of work, underemployment, unemployment, employment status, duration of employment, job satisfaction